A 17th century theatrical scene showing actors on a stage as an audience looks on from the sides
Photo © President and Fellows of Harvard College
Photo © President and Fellows of Harvard College

At left and right, from box seats at either side of a stage, an audience watches actors playing. At center, a man in a three corner hat and a tailcoat stands with his legs in shackles. On either side of him stand two men, the one at left holding a set of keys. Two women are kneeling, one each in front of both men while figures in the background argue with each other. The set behind them depicts stone walls with iron bars on the windows. At left and right, above the audience are carved statues of satyrs.

Identification and Creation

Object Number
G369
People
Engraving by William Blake, British (London, England 1757 - 1827 London, England)
After William Hogarth, British (London 1697 - 1764 London)
Title
Beggar's Opera, Act III
Classification
Prints
Work Type
print
Date
1788
Culture
British
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/276200

Physical Descriptions

Technique
Engraving
Dimensions
plate: 45.6 x 58.2 cm (17 15/16 x 22 15/16 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Francis Calley Gray, bequest; to William Gray, his nephew, 1856, gift; to Harvard University, 1857

State, Edition, Standard Reference Number

Standard Reference Number
Andresen 5; LeBlanc 6

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Gift of William Gray from the collection of Francis Calley Gray
Object Number
G369
Division
European and American Art
Contact
am_europeanamerican@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Verification Level

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